Lead

Germany's early exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026 has sparked a wave of online reactions, including racist abuse directed at midfielder Jonathan Tah after his decisive penalty miss. Amid this backlash, a viral claim has spread across social media, alleging that Deutsche Welle reported on a petition to ban 'Africans' and 'Muslims' from the national team. However, a fact check by Deutsche Welle has found this claim to be false.

Coverage Comparison

Deutsche Welle's fact-checking team investigated the viral claim, which appeared in Spanish-language posts on X with millions of views and also circulated on Facebook. The claim suggested that DW had reported on Germans collecting signatures to ban 'Africans' and 'Muslims' from playing for the national team. DW's investigation found no such report by DW or any other media outlet, and no evidence of any such petition existing.

The German Football Association (DFB) also told DW that it was not aware of any such petition or initiative and that nothing of the sort had been reported to the association. In a statement, the DFB emphasized its commitment to diversity, integration, and respectful coexistence, stating that 'Discrimination, exclusion, and racist stereotyping have no place in football or in our society.'

DW's fact check team conducted searches on Google and petition platforms such as Change.org and OpenPetition.de, finding no trace of the alleged petition. They also contacted the social media accounts that had spread the claim, requesting evidence to support it, but received no response as of publication.

Key Claims

  • Germany suffered an early exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026, losing to Paraguay 4-3 on penalties in the round of 32.
  • Jonathan Tah missed the decisive spot-kick in the penalty shootout.
  • Numerous users wrote racist comments and insults on Jonathan Tah's social media channels after the missed penalty.
  • There was no petition to ban 'Africans' and 'Muslims' from playing for the German national team, contrary to a viral claim.
  • The DFB is committed to diversity, integration, and respectful coexistence, and rejects discrimination, exclusion, and racist stereotyping.
  • A new rule has been introduced to combat racism on the pitch, where players who cover their mouth with their hand during an on-field confrontation may be shown a red card.